Calculate Metacam (Meloxicam) Dosage for Dogs
Metacam (Meloxicam) Dosage Guidelines for Dogs
Metacam (Meloxicam) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) commonly prescribed by veterinarians to relieve pain, inflammation, and stiffness associated with conditions like osteoarthritis or post-operative recovery in dogs. Accurate dosing is absolutely essential, as even a slight overdose can lead to serious side effects, particularly gastrointestinal issues or kidney failure.
The Two-Step Dosing Protocol
Metacam dosing follows a strict two-step protocol to quickly achieve therapeutic levels while reducing long-term risk:
- Initial Loading Dose (Day 1): This dose is higher to quickly raise the drug concentration in the dog's bloodstream.
\(\text{Loading Dose} = 0.2 \text{ mg}/\text{kg}\)
- Maintenance Dose (Days 2+): This dose is exactly half of the loading dose and is the standard daily amount used to maintain the therapeutic level.
\(\text{Maintenance Dose} = 0.1 \text{ mg}/\text{kg}\)
It is crucial that the **loading dose is never repeated** after the first day. The maintenance dose must be administered once daily and never exceeded.
Calculating the Dosage in Milliliters (ml)
The total milligram dose is converted into the volume of the liquid suspension (milliliters, ml) based on the concentration of the product bottle you possess (usually \(1.5 \text{ mg}/\text{ml}\)). The calculation uses the following formula:
\(\text{Dose in ml} = \frac{\text{Dog Weight (kg)} \times \text{Required Dose (mg/kg)}}{\text{Concentration (mg/ml)}}\)
For example, a \(10 \text{ kg}\) dog using the \(1.5 \text{ mg}/\text{ml}\) concentration requires a daily maintenance dose of:
\(\text{Maintenance ml} = \frac{10 \text{ kg} \times 0.1 \text{ mg}/\text{kg}}{1.5 \text{ mg}/\text{ml}} \approx 0.667 \text{ ml}\)
Because the required volume is often small, always use the specialized oral syringe provided with the medication to ensure accuracy. Using kitchen teaspoons or incorrect syringes can lead to severe overdosing.
Safety and Side Effects
Before beginning Metacam, a veterinarian must confirm your dog's kidney and liver function via blood tests. Common side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, and decreased appetite. If these occur, discontinue the drug immediately and **contact your veterinarian.** The drug should never be given to dehydrated dogs or dogs with pre-existing kidney problems.